Arabian Mau

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs vigorous daily play — wand toys and climbing space are gold.

• GroomingWash & go

  Their own tongue does most of the work — an occasional brush helps.

• Living spaceFlexible

  Adapts to most homes; cat trees and window perches help.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–16 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Dental issues · Obesity · Urinary tract disease (FLUTD)

The Arabian Mau is a landrace, not a designed breed: it is the desert cat that has lived alongside people on the Arabian Peninsula for centuries, formalised by breeders in Dubai and recognised by WCF in 2008. Everything about it was shaped by heat. The coat is very short with no undercoat, the ears are oversized to shed warmth, the body is lean and long-legged, and the constitution is exceptionally hardy, since only robust cats survived the streets. That origin shows in the temperament too. Arabian Maus are confident, alert and highly active, friendly with their own people and often reserved with strangers. They have strong hunting drive and a loud voice when they want something. They do best with vertical space, real daily play and, ideally, a securely enclosed balcony or garden; a bored Arabian Mau in a small flat will find its own entertainment. Grooming is as simple as it gets: a weekly stroke with a rubber brush. Because the breed developed by natural selection rather than a closed pedigree, it carries no known inherited disease cluster, which is a genuine advantage. The realistic risks are the ordinary ones for an athletic short-haired cat: dental disease, weight gain once neutered and kept indoors, and urinary problems if it does not drink enough, so wet food and a water fountain are worth the effort.

• How much play does a Arabian Mau need?

  High. Needs vigorous daily play — wand toys and climbing space are gold.

• How much grooming does a Arabian Mau need?

  Wash & go. Their own tongue does most of the work — an occasional brush helps.

• Is a Arabian Mau suited to apartment living?

  Flexible. Adapts to most homes; cat trees and window perches help.

• Is a Arabian Mau a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Arabian Mau live?

  12–16 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Arabian Mau?

  Keep an eye out for Dental issues, Obesity, Urinary tract disease (FLUTD). These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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